Marcus Performing Arts Center Receives Major NEA Grant to Amplify Diverse Voices in Milwaukee's Arts

Milwaukee's most entertaining district is getting a major boost from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)! Earlier today, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC)  announced that it secured a $35,000 grant from the NEA for its innovative Culture Collective program, along with special performances throughout the 2024/25 season. 

This grant was part of a larger NEA funding round that distributed $31.8 million across 1,127 projects nationwide. This federal commitment to Milwaukee's performing arts scene highlights Milwaukee's growing significance in the national arts landscape.

Launched as a part of the 2023/24 season, the Culture Collective now enters its second season of celebrating and elevating the contributions of artists of color across a wide variety of artistic disciplines at MPAC. Throughout the 2023/24 season, the series showcased the work of seven Black artists spanning award-winning musicians, dance companies and theater performances.

"At the Marcus Performing Arts Center, our mission is to deliver exceptional arts and cultural programming that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community," says MPAC President & CEO Kevin Giglinto. This commitment is evident in their pledge to ensure at least 35% of annual performing arts programming features artists from diverse backgrounds.

This grant will help performing arts center build on the program's remarkable success, attracting audiences from across Milwaukee and infusing new artistic perspectives into our community. The 2024/25 season has continued to expand and grow this program, now featuring ten events in total, with eight shows and two community celebrations. This season's Culture Collective shows include:

2024/25 Culture Collective Shows

• Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (Thu., January 30) 

• Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Wed., February 5) 

• YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan (Wed., March 5) 

• Martha Graham Dance Company (Sat., March 15) 

• Ladies of Hip Hop (Fri., April 4) 

• Lakecia Benjamin (Fri., April 11) 

Learn more about the Marcus Performing Arts Center's Culture Collective program here.

It's always showtime in the Milwaukee Theater District! Whether it's comedy, tragedy or a show you never thought you'd get to see, you'll find it here. Find your next show, plan your perfect night out and book your stay today!

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